Supreme Court strikes blow against states that raise revenue by hefty fines, forfeitures

Wednesday, 20 February 2019 18:09

It was a victory for Tyson Timbs, who sold less than $400 worth of heroin to undercover police officers in 2013. Upon conviction, Indiana seized his Land Rover, which he had purchased for more than $42,000 with the proceeds of his father's life insurance policy. That seizure will be reconsidered by Indiana courts.

Liberals and libertarians alike have groused for years about what they see as increasingly greedy governments. A study by Harvard University and the National Institute of Justice found that about 10 million people owe more than $50 billion as a result of the fines, fees and forfeitures.